PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Sergio Kindle is entering a pivotal time in his NFL career.

The outside linebacker and former 2010 second-round pick will be going into his third season, but has yet to make an impact.

According to Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome, he’ll have a chance to make it in Baltimore.

Kindle is an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he has to take any offer he gets from his team or be cut. Newsome indicated that the Ravens intend to give him an opportunity to prove himself this offseason.

“We’re looking forward to Serg being part of the offseason program,” Newsome said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “It starts from Day One, being part of the offseason program, go through the OTAs and the minicamp.

“I think this offseason is going to be very beneficial for Serg.”

Kindle fell down two flights of stairs on the eve of his rookie training camp. He fractured his skull and was out for the entire season.

The Texas pass rusher returned and made the active roster this past season, but was only activated for two games.

He said after the season that he was still catching up mentally and also trying to overcome the challenges of hearing loss in his left ear.

“I think we have a very good handle on what his strengths and weaknesses are and it’s going to be interesting to see how we can integrate him into the defense,” Newsome said.

Kindle was a talented pass rusher in college, and Newsome indicated at the end-of-the-season press conference that he would like more players to get at the quarterback. If he can progress during the offseason, Kindle could become that player.